Noisy Cambelt Tensioner....

[PaulZX]

My cambelt tensioner has started making a whining noise, but only for the first minute or so after starting, then once warm, if i'm sat at lights, (or McDs drive-thru, as last night) you'll hear like a ticking noise, that dies away after a few secs, or when you tickle the throttle...

I've rang the garage I use, and they can't do a cambelt/tensioner change for another 2 weeks....

I've got two questions, really...

Has anyone else had this happen?

How long will the tensioner last before it's time to change?

[nobananas]

Are you sure it's the cambelt tensioner and not the serpentine belt tensioner or any of the ancillaries ? I would remove the serpentine belt and start the vehicle from cold, if the noise has gone then it's likely to be something driven from that belt. If you are sure it's the cam belt tensioner then stop using it immediately as if it lets go it's bye bye valves !

[Tomcat]

Agreed, find out what it is first and if your even remotley sure it's the timing belt tensioner then either get it in somewhere or stop using it.